BoART, formerly known as Bokang Kama and hailing from the small town of Maglera in the North West, began his music career with friends in primary school in 2008, starting as a rapper. Eventually, he learned to produce instrumentals and left Maglera for the City of Gold with limited funds and without informing his family.

BoART is making a mark in the music industry with his yearly instrumental albums and exclusive contract with SolDistro as their first solo producer. His music was featured in the TV series “MTN Pulse Virals” on Channel O and now he is set to drop an EP titled “The Next Wav” tomorrow, 10 May.

With BoART  dropping hit after hit and now an EP, we ask him questions that gives an insight of what the EP is about, and how it came about.

1. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the title “The Next Wav” for your upcoming EP?

The title ‘The Next Wav’ is inspired by a sense of freshness and newness. It took us a while to come up with because we wanted something that would present us as the underdogs, bringing a refreshing sound to music. Additionally, it is also the name of our stable, hence ‘Wav.’ instead of ‘Wave’.

2. Can you walk us through the creative process behind the tracks on this EP? Any particular influences or experiences that shaped the sound?

We worked on the EP from December 2022 until December 2023, which gave us the opportunity to draw from authentic everyday experiences. The song structure is very unique and unusual, mainly influenced by a deep desire to create something new—something I myself have never heard before. This meant purely following my heart and gut on how the lyrics should be delivered and at what tone. We had to toss everything we knew about the structure of a song, seamlessly blending the familiar with the new, crafting sonic landscapes that are unheard of. This was such a fun and experimental process, Montagioo’s distinctive range, versatility, and talent made it easy and his ability to navigate through intricate harmonies and embrace unexpected musical turns allowed us to adapt and change as spontaneous creativity required. While it wasn’t set in stone what the final sound would be, we knew we wanted to shake up the game.

3. How do you think “The Next Wav” sets itself apart from your previous work or other music in the genre?

The Next Wav.” distinguishes itself from my previous work and other music in the genre through its conceptual evolution and innovative approach. Unlike my previous emotive work, this EP delves into a profound exploration of truth within contemporary music, highlighting diversity, creativity, and inventiveness which is  integral to the essence of hip-hop. Furthermore, it marks a significant departure as my first vocally produced project, contrasting with the 22 instrumental projects I’ve previously released. This shift in production style not only sets “The Next Wav” apart from my prior endeavours but also adds a new dimension to the EP’s sonic landscape. Overall, “The Next Wav” embodies a fresh direction in my artistic journey, characterised by a fusion of authentic experiences and experimental creativity that sets it apart in the music scene.

4. Are there any standout moments or stories from the production of this EP that you’d like to share with your fans?

I think tenacity, vulnerability, and freedom were the key ingredients in the sessions. For example, on the first track alone, ‘Poison,’ I don’t know how many retakes I asked from Montagioo, but never once did he question me or his artistry. Today, we joke about how we ‘cooked’ his voice, but because of it, the lyrics ended up being delivered with much emotion, which is the essence of the song and the entire project.

5. What message or feeling do you hope listeners will take away from experiencing “The Next Wav” in its entirety?

The project stands as a testament to the resilience of those who find solace in the midst of adversity, something many of us can relate to during these times. ‘The Next Wav.’ serves as a vessel for young men seeking to navigate the delicate balance of vulnerability, courage, and creativity in their struggles. Montagioo’s verses resonate as anthems for those in search of authenticity and self-expression. I truly hope this project touches listeners in ways that inspire them to search deep inside themselves for their own kind of creativity because ‘The Next Wav.’ EP represents who we are and our personal experiences. These experiences encompass varying themes, such as ‘thoughts of an underdog on whether his art will ever be heard and appreciated,’ as well as universal human experiences. We closed off the EP with a song intended for ‘the dawgs,’ recognising that hip-hop has globally lacked an anthem that includes the male perspective. And I hope the gents rejoice in the sing along. 

6. How has your approach to producing music evolved since your last release?

I believe that learning to balance my creativity with the strengths of my collaborators and harnessing those strengths to make our songs shine has been the most significant growth in my process.

7. Are there any collaborations on this EP that you are particularly excited about?

The collaboration with Montagioo, and especially the visual contributions by Shalom.Their contributions have played a pivotal role in garnering attention for the EP and building the much-needed anticipation. Montagioo’s musical prowess and Shalom’s artistic vision have truly elevated the project to new heights, and I’m thrilled about the impact their collaboration will have on our audience.

8. What challenges did you face during the production process of “The Next Wav” and how did you overcome them?

We didn’t have many difficulties besides those days when load shedding did its thing, but we used those times to catch a break because we would barely stop.

9. In what ways do you personally connect with the music on this EP, and how does it represent your growth or journey as an artist?

The message in the music connects with me personally because I have faced many challenges since coming to Johannesburg without a Rand to my name or even street cred. However, keeping my head down and working hard has granted me a bit of both. As an artist, you can’t help but wonder if your work will fulfil its purpose, but the drive always wins.

10. Lastly, what can listeners look forward to in terms of future releases or projects from BoART?

See EP cover below and PreSave “The Next Wav” here!

Connect with BoART:

Instagram — @producedbyboart

Main Image: Supplied